Catwalk models and international designer Bruce Oldfield this week helped launch a prestigious &#xA3;17m housing development in Newcastle

Within three hours of the official release of properties on Jesmond Road West - to be renamed as its former address of Carlton Terrace - five of the townhouses had been sold.

This included a &#xA3;2m property to an undisclosed buyer.

Valerie Turner, 59, of Jesmond, was the first person to agree a purchase at the launch and preview event which took place at the Mansion House, where Bruce Oldfield and models were also previewing his winter collection of dresses.

Bruce, who has worked for some of the world's rich and famous, including Catherine Zeta-Jones and Proncess Diana - is to act as director of design on the unusual housing project close to the heart of the city.

Northern Developments, working in association with Metropolitan, has appointed Bruce as director of design on the project, which aims to restore 14 Georgian and Victorian townhouses in Carlton Terrace.

Development spokesman Wayne Halton said: "This is a fantastic start to the project. We are delighted with the initial response and all the early feedback is incredibly positive. Everyone seems to agree that this is set to become a `must have' address in Newcastle."

The Georgian-inspired street in Jesmond is thought to be the only residential location of its kind outside London, Bath and Edinburgh. There is nothing in Newcastle which compares to the size and quality of the townhouses.

Bruce Oldfield, who was raised in the North-East, will help to restore the five-bedroom, spacious homes to their former glory, with each home being completely bespoke and marketed from just under &#xA3;1m up to &#xA3;2m. Bruce has already undertaken exclusive developments.

It is envisaged that this development will be the start of a complete restoration of the street and the gardens. Anyone interested in buying a townhouse can consult Bruce and his design team who will offer advice on colour, textiles, lighting and furniture. He will tailor a home to meet personal, tastes.

For further details, contact the selling agents Groves on (0191) 246-6666.